This month’s Neuropsychobiology reviews, in two articles, the continued legacy of Eugen Bleuler – originator of the term “schizophrenia.” An article from Switzerland states that Bleuler’s conception of schizophrenia was “markedly broader and, as for prognosis, much less pessimistic” than Kraepelin’s dementia praecox, and calls “a continuous reflection upon psychiatry’s historical and epistemological basis … an indispensable component of psychiatry, clinically and scientifically.” emphasized the potential of therapeutic communities in providing care, the drawbacks of extended hospitalization and the therapeutic potential of planned ‘early discharge’ and job integration.” An article by German researchers shows that current evidence confirms Bleuler’s emphasis on therapeutic communities, early discharge, and supported employment.
Becker, T., Kosters, M., “Psychosocial Interventions in People with Severe Mental Illness: A Bleulerian Perspective.” Neuropsychobiology, 66(1)70-75
Hoff, P., “Eugen Bleuler’s Concept of Schizophrenia and Its Relevance to Present-Day Psychiatry.” Neuropsychobiology, 2012; 66(1)6-13
